Stamford's Tiana England announces verbal commitment to St. John's University

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STAMFORD — Stamford High School point guard Tiana England verbally committed to play basketball next year at St. John’s University on Monday.

England is known for a cool exterior on the court but could not hide her enthusiasm as she spoke on the phone hours after tweeting out her decision.

“I just feel so blessed and excited,” said England. “The school was at the top of my list and now it is about getting back to work and getting ready to play.”

England is a two-time All-FCIAC and All-State selection, which made her a coveted player by many programs. She had trimmed the list down to about six schools but the Red Storm was her top choice throughout the process.

The school’s academic and athletic legacy made it very attractive to England as well as the proximity to home. She wanted her family to be able to share her experience.

She will also be following in the footsteps of two local players — Trinity Catholic’s Da'Shena Stevens and King’s Brianna Brown — both whom played for the Red Storm after successful high school careers in the city.

England heard all about Stevens exploits while she was growing up and finally got to know her over the past year since the former Crusades standout is an assistant coach the New York City-based school.

“It was exactly what I wanted in a school. I’ll be playing in the Big East and the location was very important to be where my family could come and watch me play. They have been a very big part of everything I’ve done,” said England. “I know a few of the players because I have played with them in the AAU and I love the coaching staff, with Da'Shena Stevens on the staff there. She comes from the same background as me and she came back to coach there which to me says a lot about the type of program it is.”

England averaged 18.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 steals per game for the Black Knights last season.

She surpassed the 1,000-point career scoring barrier last winter.

She became the focal point of the Black Knights team as a freshman. She was taking over for the graduated Kelsey Cognetta, who was four-year starter and All-FCIAC player. England never missed a step as she poured in 29 points against Harding in only her second varsity game.

Stamford coach Diane Burns could not hide her affection for her star. Burns was a four-year starter at point guard in college so she understands the position. She said it is not just her natural ability which separates England from other players but her unrivaled passion for practice.

“She does make everything look so easy,” said Burns. “The game slows down for her, but it takes a ton of work plus great athleticism for it to happen. She is constantly playing against better player’s — even boys — in hopes of improving. I am very happy for her. She sacrificed a lot to get to where she is.”

England has always been a good teammate. She is soft-spoken by nature and never craved the spotlight which her talent attracted.

Her grandfather, Barry Shepard, was an All-FCIAC point guard for the Black Knights in the early 1970s and her game has drawn comparisons from those who saw them both on the court. Unfortunately, Shepard passed away before she was born, but she has always been proud of the complements. She is grateful for everything Stamford High has meant to her and her family.

“It’s meant a lot to me to be a part of Stamford High School,” said England. “The environment has been great for me. I love all the coaches. They really looked out for me and have always taken care of me. It’s great to follow my grandfather as a player here and finish off what he started.”

It did not worry her to make her decision before the season began, but with it out of the way she can now concentrate on her final season as a Black Knight. She is just happy to have the chance to keep living her dream.

“It has always been my dream to play Division I basketball and now it comes true,” said England. “Since I was about four-years old, I have loved basketball. I knew even then it would be a big part of my life and now it has let me live out my dreams so I can’t ask for more.”